At last year’s Watches and Wonders show, Montblanc released two limited editions of the Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph. Introduced as the first open-dialed Montblanc Minerva watch ever, the Lime Gold edition was limited to just 18 pieces while the stainless steel was limited to 58 pieces. For 2023, Montblanc has released a new limited edition version of the timepiece in distressed steel that features a more contemporary, rugged look. To achieve the distressed steel finish, the 43mm stainless steel case is treated with a black coating, which is then manually washed and brushed with quartzite from the Mont-Blanc and limestones from the mountain opposite the Villeret Manufacture, called La Combe Grède. This process not only the two homes of Montblanc watches together but also provides each timepiece with its very own individual patina. The latest version also gets a white gold fluted bezel inspired by Minerva’s iconic bezel first used in 1927.
Other than the new exterior package, the new iteration is identical to the two limited editions we saw last year. Housed inside the case is the meticulously refinished Minerva MB M16.29 movement which sits exposed under an openworked dial, giving the watch its unusual name.
Interestingly, the stunning movement has been flipped over to display its mechanical intricacies on the dial side, which required an extra 21 components for the hands to move in the right direction.
The manually wound monopusher 30-minute chronograph is comprised of 273 parts and offers a power reserve of 50 hours. The caseback features an engraving of the historic Minerva Manufacture. Completing the look is a black nubuck alligator strap with a distressed steel triple-folding clasp.
The new Montblanc 1858 Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph in distressed steel is limited to 88 examples and is priced at $36,500 apiece.
